It had been weeks since I had been able to go to the Arena. The uproar at the Palazzo had died into uneasy silence. Even Klinton was keeping close lipped about that night, and would only say that Gabriel had asked him not to 'bother' me with the issue. I have never liked secrets that don't include me. I dislike this one because it affects my home, and the security of my home. My husband however can be a stubborn man, and has stubbornly refused to comment further.

Lucien never let me out of his sight any more, and both twins had been present when Vitus had come unexpectedly to the Palazzo to negotiate an arms deal. Even Eoin was wound tight as a clock spring whenever I saw him. Something was wrong, or they suspected something, but no one was talking.

At length I managed to convince Lucien that I needed a night out despite the fact that Klinton was not available to go along, and we headed for the Arena. Lucien remained beyond the visible spectrum for most people, and gave me a bit of distance for a change.

As I headed for an empty table, I spotted Raevyx for the first time in ages. I smiled and altered my course to go greet him.

"bwael tangisto Azjah" came his low voice as he and I met in greeting.

It had been too long since I'd heard that voice, "bwael tangisto, I've missed you," I told him most sincerely,

He wrapped his arms around me in a warm embrace, and I could hear Lucien's hiss behind Raevyx as he said "aye, as have I my dear abbil."

I returned the hug and shot Lucien a quick look. It had been reconciled a long time ago that the scar Lucien carried was a risk he knew he faced when he went to meet Raevyx. Old animosities die hard for some people, and Lucien would respect my friendship with the Illythiiri.

"Are you to be in Rhydin long?" I inquired of him and was disappointed to learn that he was only back for a couple of days at most. He had business in the Underdark, but that he would be available most of the time. His business was not with the Temple at this time, but rather with his Manor and the rival House I'd heard a little about during our trip to his home.

I was concerned and inquired about the trouble, and he laughed, "my dear Abbil, there is always trouble in The Underdark."

I should have remembered that, and a shudder rippled down my spine as he reminded me of his driders and their protection of his manor. I should have let it go, but asked him what he would do about the continuing attacks. Truly, I should know better than to ask such questions, but a morbid curiosity has always been mine.

He gave me a nonchallant shrug and said, "I will do what any good Asmodean would do. I will be using their dead to rid myself of them entirely."

He then offered me the glass of scotch he'd held and asked how I was doing.

With a smile as I accepted the glass of Dalwhinnie, I asked him if he'd given up drinking scotch before adding that I was alright and had been working with Vitus recently.

He grinned and informed me that he knew. His association with the Temple probably meant that he knew most of the details of the deal too. Thus I told him that the delivery details had been finalized.

It struck me then that he might be involved in Vitus' coming battles, and I inquired, "will you be joining Vitus in his endeavor?"

His reply allowed me to release my breath, that I had not realized I had been holding when he said "I do not know.... if I am able to stay on the surface for longer periods of time, I might."

At least for the time being, he would not be heading into that conflict.

He realized he was needed elsewhere, and bid me adieu with a promise to return on the morrow.

I swirled the scotch a moment before kicking off the stilettos. Lucien moved closer, whispering to me a warning about the Temple and my growing involvement with its members.

I walked down the stairs into the Arena for the second night this week. Lucien was grumbling softly as he took up a place along the wall where he could watch everything that was going on in the room. Harris was there boo-ing a pair of duelers, but it was as though he really didn?t have anything better to do at the moment. I chuckled, ?Hello Harris.?

He turned and grinned, ?Oh look, it?s Azjah.? He was popping peanuts into his mouth faster than a chipmunk.

As I found my table and sat down, I told Harris that I thought it was easier to spot him than it was to see me in a crowd, and that I felt ?outshone?.

Harris tugged the blue hair atop his head, ?It should be easier to spot me with this mop.?

Markus arrived and I send him for a glass of scotch, ?precisely Harris. How is your son doing??

He groaned, ?Meh. Babies. Babies do uncool baby things. I make an effort not to be seen with him as I have a rep to uphold.?

I chuckled, ?Yes, they do, but you have one.? I settled onto the sofa and kicked off the stilettos. About that time Kyndra arrived, waving, ?Good evening!!? She cheerily joined me and we sat to watch the duels. Presently the thud of a staff preceded the arrival of Lord Momus to the Arena.

I took the scotch glass from Markus as Kyndra and I spoke. She looked lovely, and the look she gave Tasslehofl when he entered suggested she was very fond of the old dragon.

Harris was lamenting that he was bored, and I can think of few things riskier in the Arena than having Harris bored. There is simply too much there to tempt the lunatic. I spoke up to Harris advising that it was a risky thing for him to be bored.

Lord Momus blew a kiss to Kyndra and I teased him about being such a flirt. With the arrival of Kyndra and Tass, I asked Markus to come back for drink orders for Lord Momus and Kyndra. Harris took a bit of umbrage at my offering drinks to my friends and failing to offer him one. ?Don?t worry, I?m not thirsty. But it was nice of you to offer.? He grumbled

I winked at Harris, ?Is it safe to feed you??

Tass quipped, ?It?s never safe to feed him, Azjah, don?t matter if it?s after midnight or not.?

Harris continued to grumble, ?Stick doesn?t even feed me. I have to scavenge for my own food.?

I laughed merrily as Tass told him Stick was a smart woman. Harris meanwhile continued to stuff peanuts into his mouth. ?Nutritious scavenging too Harris.?

He gave me a smart grin, ?I'm in training. I have Anubis to punch in the throat in 4 days.?

Hubie returned with the drink order Markus had taken, and set them in front of both Kyndra and Tasslehofl. I gave Harris a smile, ?well, I trust you will succeed Harris.? The last thing I wanted was for the Slaver to win the Opal away from Harris.

Kyndra thanked me for the drink, and proceeded to smile at Tass, agreeing to duel if she could find a suitable partner.

I chuckled, ?Kyndra, I think you have one sitting here.?

Klinton arrived and Lucien whispered to me as he strolled casually into the Arena. I gave him a warm smile and asked him if he would be joining Xenograg and I at our table, then turned to Xenograg, ?Hate? That seems a strong emotion for such a small thing.?

Xenograg greeted Klinton as he grabbed a bottle of water and sat down with us. ?Good evening Xeno. Are you enjoying your leave from the Palazzo?? His smile was teasing, but he had hit a bit too close to home with that one. I was feeling like a prisoner in my own home, and not knowing the reason for it chafed.

?My parole you mean?? I asked him before once more focusing on Xenograg.

He gave me a winning smile, ?I guess you could call it that.?

Xenograg continued, ?My parenting has been a long road of many mistakes. My own eldest son hates me indeed. I did a poor job with Alia Anor and her brother. I have done better with my second family with Amaltea.? He seemed deeply hurt by what he considered mistakes, but certainly every parent makes mistakes.

?I have not met her brother either, but while she may not appreciate your objection to the Temple, can she truly hate you?? I cannot imagine that any child could hate someone who had raised them and been there to help guide them into adulthood. Not the way this woman clearly despised Xenograg.

I gave Klinton a quick look, ?when will house arrest be ending?? It was worth a try to get him to tell me what the devil was going on, as he?d keep the information very close to his vest up to this point.

Xeno told me that the twins had felt abandoned by their mother, and that he was less than a constant presence, but if they felt that way, it seemed to me their mother should be the one they were angry with, and not the one who was present for them.

Klinton gave me an enigmatic smile, ?you know that I do not control that, I only understand their concern.?

When I pushed, he told me this was neither the time nor the place to discuss it. I hate secrets. Truly I do.

I sipped the scotch a moment before asking Xeno if his filling in for Alais should not have been appreciated, and he told me that they had been left alone too much. For me, this seemed excessive, and yet there was no denying the young woman?s overt hostility.

In that moment, she turned once again toward Xenograg and I. Something dark flickered in those striking aqua eyes as I said to Xenograg, ?But if their mother could not be there, it should have meant something that you at least tried.?

Xenograg?s gaze lingered on the woman a moment longer, ?That is a rational position. Children do not think rathionally when young, only feel.?

I nodded, that was my point, ?Yes, it is a rational position, and she?s a rational adult, is she not?? She?d grown up, surely now that she was no longer a child she could see the attempt for what it was, a caring attempt to be there for them as much as possible.

He shook his head, ?too late to change her heart, perhaps.?

I frowned, ?that would be a shame Xenograg.?

?Oh, it is,? came his softly spoken reply.

?No Xenograg, just a quiet night out, or so I thought.? Came my reply, but the look in the auburn haired woman?s eyes was my sole focus at that instant.

Several people were watching the woman as she stood there, dagger in hand as Xeno smiled, ?then I must be.?

In that moment, the dagger slammed down over Xenograg?s shoulder to be embedded with enough force to keep the dagger upright in the wood very near to where his hand had just been.

I saw Klinton speaking to the newcomer, but as the dagger slammed down, reflexively I reached for the hidden shoulder holster, and Xenograg leaped off the couch in surprise, his hand reflexively going to the sword hilt at his hip. ?Damn it, girl!?

Their exchange was cold and unfriendly. She was demanding that Xenograg use the dagger to cut the ties he felt he had to her. ?My family is the Temple, not that travesty you remember.?

Her action had caused a chain reaction among some of the other patron, and Tera came up with daggers in each hand, her beer bottle having been dropped to the floor and presently forgotten.

Xeno?s voice raised slightly, ?Do not EVER do that again!?

It was then that I noticed Klinton in a heated discussion with Berrin, but the immediate danger was here with Xeno and Alia Anor. Xeno was trying to get his anger under control as he stared at his foster daughter.

Her voice was low and without any trace of emotion, ?Do not discuss old history. I have a new life, and I would appreciate living it unencumbered by your past.?

Lord Momus remained unmoving, but he looked at Alia Anor, ?if it was not for your history, you wouldn?t be here now, think on that a moment.?

Xenograg slowed his breathing, ?You cannot undo our history, Alia Anor.?

She turned slowly toward the old dragon, ?My history no longer matters, nor exists.? Then she turned back to Xenograg, ?Cut the ties Liberator. Come, live up to your reputation and come to the Temple.? With her last words, she grew cajoling, as though seeking to entice him into the Temple itself.

He stood still, with his hand on the hilt of the blade, ?painful or not, I will not give it up.?

She remained unmoving, ?living in the past will not help you.?

Xeno was calmness itself, ?you are who you are.?

Tasslehofl stated that it was the Temple that would not cut the ties, claiming that the Temple still held something belonging to Xeno, and reminded her that it was she who called him Liberator when he wanted no such title or claim.

She focused solely on Xenograg, ?embrace the future Liberator, you gave us that future.?

Xenograg let out a long sigh as Tera moved closer to Xenograg?s back. ?I will not do what you ask of me, either of them. I love you, though you break my heart.?

She started to continue, but stopped cold at his words, ?Love? LOVE??? You do not know the meaning of the word.? She reached for the dagger where it swayed in the table top. ?We are not connected Liberator. We do not touch at any point.? She then hurled the dagger into the floor at Xenograg?s feet. ?I cut the ties since you will not!? She then pulled her hood up and turned toward the door, as though closing a door and no plans to look back.

Xenograg remained watchful, but no longer gripping the hilt of the sword, ?that will not work, girl. Go run and hide, if you must. I will always be here.?

She remained with her back to us, ?I am not the one hiding. You are the one avoiding the inevitable.? She then folded both hands into her robes and walked up the stairs.

Xeno?s voice was no longer angry, but he sounded worn out, ?I avoid the future, you avoid the past. What a pair are we.?

Tera?s gasp was audible in the nearly silent Arena as Artemus asked the woman ?Why is it that the Temple wants Xenograg to come and collect his prized sword? alone.?

The white robed woman did not pause, and did not respond, she simply paused at the door, ?My past began but months ago. Before that, there is nothing. Goodbye.?

Xeno?s farewell was heartfelt, ?take care, my dear.? But I doubt the young woman even heard him.

Berrin and Klinton had left us before the altercation began between Xenograg and Alia Anor. But now Berrin sat at the bar watching me, and when he caught my eye, motioned for me to come join him.

Klinton was in the ring with Tasslehofl, and Xenograg was deeply into his meditation, so I excused myself from Kyndra and Tera to see what the man wanted.

Klinton glanced from his ring to see me approaching Berrin, and his scowl grew dark as he shook his head toward Berrin. He did not wish for me to speak to the man, but whatever was between these two needed to be out in the open.

I heard Tasslehofl tell Klinton to pay attention to the duel, as I was quite capable of taking care of myself, and besides, Lucien was an eye blink away should I have need of him.

Berrin moved into a deeply shadowed spot to wait for me. I paused, ?you wanted to speak to me??

His low whispers would not carry far, but both Lucien and I heard him quite clearly. ?I feel you must be aware of your husband?s actions of recent?.? He began.

I frowned as I listened, and Klinton?s color heightened as he could no longer hear the conversation.

I was instantly irritated. Here was a man whom I had never met before making insinuations that Klinton was doing something I should be told about. But, who was this guy, and why was he so concerned about my knowing? ?and you think this means?.?? I left the question hanging to see what he would say next.

?I have seen him being rather ?playful? so to speak with other women.? He looked me levelly in the eyes as he said it, as though trying to gauge my response.

I straightened to my full height, ?You assume things better not assumed.? My voice was a low hiss, as I did not wish to make a scene in the Arena. Klinton was always a flirt, but I believe since our marriage that there is nothing more to it than his personality.

Berrin continued, ?I would just assume that a man with a woman of your stature and beauty would have a more respectful man.?

Klinton finished his duel with Tass and came striding purposefully toward Berrin and I.

Fury crossed my features as I struggled to maintain my temper. ?What is it to you sir?? Why was he trying to insinuate himself into my life?

Klinton stepped between us, pushing Berrin back somewhat, but Berrin had braced for it, as though expecting worse from Klinton. My husband turned toward me, ?Azjah, pay no attention to what he is telling you. He knows nothing.?

Berrin continued, tempting fate, ?I?m not sure he?s entirely loyal to you.?

I glanced between Klinton and Berrin as Berrin continued softly, ?seems a bit defensive, doesn?t he??

?What game are you playing sir?? I watched Klinton?s anger rise, and needles of doubt prickled at me.

?I speak only from my observations of this man.? Berrin gave Klinton an assessing look that said he clearly found him lacking.

I shook my head, ?Your observations are flawed, you do not know either of us.? Klinton?s gaze was locked with my own, his jaw was set so hard, it?s amazing he wasn?t breaking his teeth. I reached for his arm, ?Shall we re-join our friends??

Berrin continued to push his luck, ?I know of your reputation, and I know infidelity when I see it.?

I grew cold in that moment, ?Is it my fidelity you question, or his??

Tasslehofl approached in that instant, carrying twin glasses of scotch, he put one glass into Klinton?s hand, telling him to drink up. Then, he grinned at me and simply said ?mine?.

Berrin laughed, ?I would not presume to speak of a woman of your stature that way.?

Tass smiled dangerously at Berrin, ?smart man? and then Tass did the unthinkable, and pulled me to him for a kiss right there in front of Klinton and the whole arena. He pulled back from the kiss and handed me a glass of scotch.

Klinton looked at me, then glared at Tass and subsequently downed his scotch. I smiled at Tass, ?troublemaker.?

Tass looked at Klinton with a wicked smile, ?I?ll give you one too if you ain?t careful.?

I turned to look at Berrin, ?I think we?ve heard enough.?

Klinton turned to Berrin, and each word was enunciated with the utmost clarity, ?I have told you to mind your own business Berrin. You do not know what you speak of.?

Berrin shook his head, ?You are inappropriate for this woman. You will never earn the respect that you INHERITED by marrying her.?

Tass turned once more toward Berrin, ?and Sir, you?ll never earn the respect of the married woman you are pursuing, so I guess it?s even.?

I linked arms with both Klinton and Tass, ?You have said more than enough sir,? as I turned to go back to our table.

Tass hooked an arm around Klinton and pulled, ?come, the couch is more comfortable than standing here talking to a brick wall.?

Klinton just shook his head, ?Man, I need a drink.?

Tass looked at him with a smirk, ?Man, I just gave you one, ain?t my fault you can?t appreciate good scotch!?

As we reseated ourselves amongst friends, Berrin tried again to bait me, ?Perhaps Kyndra would like to speak of Klinton?s infidelity??

Tass shot him a glare, ?perhaps, but that would be between them, now wouldn?t it??

Kyndra grinned at Klinton, ?well, I do hope you two want to keep me around.?

I chuckled, ?Kyndra, he?s a terrible flirt, and I think Klinton?s learning things from Tass.? Both men were notorious flirts, and I wanted to believe it was only that.

Xenograg smiled at Tass, ?nor am I going to kiss Azjah.?

Tass was at his most incorrigible, ?it?ll do ya a world of good, that.?

I laughed hearing him, ?I think it would be risky. Xenograg?s wife is pretty talented with a sword.? Then I saw Kaja. It has been eons since we?d seen the lovely lass, and we all encouraged her to join us. It was time for some lighthearted fun. We had all had enough seriousness.

Xenograg gave Tass a solemn look, ?But I have Azjah?s Complaint, a touchy spouse.? But then he winked toward Klinton and broke into a smile.

Kaja smiled and waved, ??ey girl, e?erythin? aiight o?er theah??

Tass offered to kiss Amaltea for him, but demurred saying, ?well, no, she wouldn?t use a sword with me, maybe a house.?

Kyndra agreed that both Tass and Klint were terrible flirts, but when she stated that no one was safe from the flirting when they were around, Xenograg spoke up announcing that he was safe.

Tass snorted as Xeno announced he was immune to flirting, stating that it was one of the advantages of being such a dour soul. ?You?re not that safe. I just don?t wanna kiss you.? Tass reproved.

I tried to make light of things, telling Kyndra how much Klinton flirted with Kaja as Kaja joined our table. The beautiful Kaja settled down with a smile and I asked if everyone knew her. Kyndra had not officially been introduced, and so we remedied that situation and settled in for some good natured teasing.

Kyndra suggested we return to Brig?s tower since he?d invited us both back, and I chuckled, ?Brig is a bit touchy about my coveting his tower.

As Kaja settled onto the chair at my right, she blew Klinton a kiss, and he melted into a puddle on the floor before crawling into both Kaja?s and my lap. Hubie brought him a drink and I had to inquire whether he was comfortable or not given his current prone position across both Kaja and myself.

Klinton winked at Tass, ?Tass my boy, this is the life!?

Tass grinned, ?Nah it ain?t, yer missing the drink.?

Kaja caught us up on her extended absence from RhyDin, telling us about the redecorating project at her new residence in Dockside.

We sat and teased one another for some time, and the sadness in Xenograg?s eyes eased a little.

As I walked through the portal, Brigath shot me a jaunty grin and waved. I smiled, and returned his smile, "Hey there handsome." He took a sip of his drink, which appeared to be his favored Oban scotch.

As I settled onto the chaise near the rings, and greeted Kyndra, Brig asked how the Trivia night had gone. He'd come and dueled for the night, and had generously donated his clue to his dueling partner since he is ineligible to receive clues for the purposes of the contest that Klinton and I are hosting. I sipped the scotch before answering him, " It went very well Brig. That Oriental elf won this month's flag, so we have on with Lord Momus, and one with Joku."

We chatted a bit more about the challenge and the gift of the Staff of Enchantment to the winner of our Geographical Trivia contest, and I had to confess that while I enjoy doing it, I am also learning from the preparation of each month's location. Then kicking off the stilettos, I prepared to spend a relaxing evening on the Isle.

Well, I was going to relax until Brig began seeking a dueling partner. Just as I was about to see if he was issuing an invitation, I was summoned to another location in RhyDin. It seemed another of my charitable works was holding a meeting that required my presence. Alas, I would not have the pleasure of meeting Brig in the ring this night.

After the meeting in RhyDin, I returned to the Isle to find Klinton there. What a pleasant surprise! He was talking to Kyndra, and Topaz was in uniform waiting for someone to enter her rings. I heard Klinton ask Kyndra "so, what did Azjah have to say?"

She was dressed up, and smiled at Klinton saying "It is so good to see you! I really didn't have time to talk with her, I was too busy calling." They were seated together at a table near the rings as Klinton asked her if there was any big occasion for her being so dressed up.

Before I could cross the distance to where Klinton and Kyndra sat, I was accosted once again by Berrin, who moved instantly upon seeing me to cut off my path toward Klinton. I paused. I did not wish be be rude, but the man has something against Klinton, and has been doing his level best to convince me that Klinton is unfaithful.

Klinton's expression fell as he saw Berrin talking to me yet again.

Kyndra looked up and smiled, ?good evening Azjah, your wonderful husband was keeping me company.? I glanced at her, then back at Berrin. Lucien was behind me in the blink of an eye, but Berrin didn?t take a hint. So I stepped around him as I told Kyndra, ?He is very good at that Kyndra, and fine company to boot.? I needed to keep the prickling doubts Berrin had initiated to myself.

Klinton chuckled, ?Please ladies, continue. Topaz? Any things you?d like to add about my wonderfulness??

Kyndra agreed as Topaz said, ?Oh no, you wouldn?t fit through the portal when you?re ready to leave if I did.? As she gave him a grin.

Berrin?s remarks were not even vaguely masked as he let everyone on the Isle know his views on my husband once again. ?Azjah, this man is not for you. He is what I would call a player. In five minutes, he would be trying to take Kyndra home!?

I tried to ignore him, truly I did, but having seen him with Kyndra when I entered through the portal caused a moment?s pang of doubt.

Klinton was ignoring Berrin as he told me that Kyndra was about to tell him what the big occasion was for her being so dressed up tonight, but at that instant, Lucien solidified into the visible spectrum right in front of Berrin.

Berrin jumped back as Lucien abruptly appeared towering above him. Lucien in anger is a formidable apparition. His scowl is enough to make most souls cringe. Black eyes glittered as he held Berrin?s attention riveted to his next words. ?you would do well to watch your tongue, unless you would like to be relieved of it.?

Topaz sent an admiring glance at Lucien, but somehow I doubt the fairy would be thrilled to know just what Lucien is. She looked back at me, ?wow Azjah, where did you find him? No wings, so he can?t be a fairy, what is he??

Berrin sighed, ?I only speak the truth.? His defense would never work with Lucien, and all he was doing was digging himself deeper.

I glanced quickly at Topaz, ?He and his brother I found on a small agrarian planet about to be burned at the stake.?

She gave me a surprised look, ?for using fae magics??

Lucien?s voice was commanding velvet as he spoke to Berrin, ?You speak seditious lies. I will remove your tongue if you do not desist.?

Kyndra was trying to keep our attention off Berrin as she smiled and told us that she was dressed up in the hopes that a certain dragon would stop in tonight. She had eyes for Lord Momus. But then she kindly added, ?and I must say, you look as stunning as ever Azjah.?

I thanked her, explaining that I had been at another function in RhyDin tonight, and that accounted for my being more dressed up than usual.

Berrin was still held by Lucien?s penetrating gaze as he asked Lucien, ?are you certain they are lies?? It was a challenge, but Lucien was looking deeper, seeking the reason for Berrin?s ongoing attacks on Klinton?s character. ?Are you with Klinton every moment??

I tried to explain to Topaz just what Lucien and Gabriel are, but most cannot tell the difference between Carpathians and vampires. Which, is understandable to some extent since vampires are Carpathian?s gone bad. They?ve given up their souls by killing during feeding. Taking that ?high? associated with death and terror.

Kyndra finally looked at Berrin, ?Kinton?s a gentleman, has been a gentleman, and Azjah is my friend. I would never allow anything to harm that.?

Topaz gave Lucien a warm smile and murmured, ?a pleasure to be sure.?

Lucien was not paying attention, he growled at Berrin, ?I do not need to be with them every moment.? What Berrin had no way of knowing is that the tie between Gabriel, Lucien and I means that there is a connection between us at all times, and the things Gabriel and Lucien hear are unlimited. There are very few secrets.

A pang of frustration hit me as I realized that there was one secret. I was being kept out of the reason for the increased security while Klinton was privy to the reasons.

Topaz gave Lucien a warning look, " No killing patrons on my shift. Unless you volunteer to do all the paperwork involved."

Berrin began to struggle in earnest against the tentacle that was fast pulling him into the sand.

Lucien turned slowly to regard Topaz, giving her an utterly soulless look that was so devoid of any kind of emotion it was chilling to see. "I just plan to suck him under the sand for a while. Suffocation would be ancillary."

The expression on Berrin's face was pure terror. Death by suffocation deep within the sand would be horrific, and I cannot blame Berrin for his fear. Lucien would do such a thing without a second thought. But I don't think Klinton believes Lucien would really do such a thing.

Klinton looked between Topaz and Lucien, then told Lucien, "Azjah has enough paperwork for the both of us. Perhaps in a bit more secluded place."

Topaz gave Lucien an exasperated look, "can't you do it somewhere else?"

I did not want to let Berrin off the hook. I think the fear factor may convince him to leave us alone, so I suggested that Lucien exercise some tact. Kyndra simply watched the proceedings. I can only imagine what she must be thinking about us at this moment.

Without a single indication that he agreed or disagreed with us, the tentacle uncoiled from Berrin's leg, leaving him half way up to his calves in the sand. His blood soaking into the thirsty sand where the tentacle had speared him. And then, Lucien simply faded from sight.

Topaz sighed, "that infatuation sure didn't last long."

I had to smile, "Sorry Topaz. Carpathians are difficult to distinguish from vampires, and that is why Lucien and Gabriel were about to be burned at the stake when I found them. There wasn't any point in going into the details. Carpathians drink blood from living people. Most people wouldn't see a difference between their feeding habits and those of a vampire.

Topaz flashed Klinton a smile, "Well Klinton, you're once again two places up on my list of interesting people."

Berrin looked in utter amazement at where Lucien had been, tugging to pull himself free of the sand that encased his legs. But, he made the mistake of assuming Lucien was gone, and quickly masked his awe as he spat at Klinton, "You are not man enough to fight your own battles?"

Topaz grimaced, "ewww, Vampires, and that one didn't know when to stop."

I smiled, "Carpathian, Vampires are Carpathian's gone bad." And Lucien certainly had not gone bad. He and Gabriel had found their salvation, and could not become true vampires. They were Hunters. Very good hunters, but they were not vampire. For which I am forever grateful.

Topaz smiled, "well, you certainly have a fine body guard."

We were all trying to ignor Berrin's latest epithet, and Klinton gave Topaz an unrepentant smile, "so, where does that put me overall?"

I took a sip of my scotch before telling Topaz that Lucien was simply being protective, and Berrin's expression said he felt he was far more than simply protective.

Topaz smiled sweetly at Klinton, "Just below the middle."

He quirked a brow at her, "Oh, so I am averagely interesting?"

Topaz glanced behind her, and I saw Lucien reach out with a feather light touch to the fairy's wings as he whispered, "such delicate things," and I had to smile. He was enjoying being charming to Topaz after being so horrid to Berrin.

Topaz looked behind her again, "thank you".

Kyndra gave Klinton and I a worried look, "I hope I didn't cause any troubles."

I shook my head negatively, "No, not at all. I don't know what Berrin is up to, but you are not in any way culpable"

If there was trouble, it was not Kyndra's doing.

About then, Lord Momus stepped through the portal.

Topaz greeted the old dragon, who promptly dropped down onto the fairy's lap. Topaz asked him what he thought of the flower Lucien had given her, and he informed her that it paled in comparison to her loveliness.

As always, Lord Momus was the charmer.

Klinton gave me a smile, "Shall I take you home and show you what Berrin thinks I am showing these other women?"

I gave him a long, slow look before taking his arm. We bid everyone good evening and headed for the Palazzo.

Lucien had to make his own good bye's and showered Topaz in Edelweiss blossoms.

Cory was next to arrive, and he stepped through the portal, giving me a quick tilt of his head as I bid him good evening. He found himself a seat in the sand near the treeline as I asked him how things were going at the ranch. "Tha's dif'cult t'describe."

As I was speaking to Cory, the red orb focused on Rena for a moment, and she noticed it. A frown crossing her features as she glanced around trying to find the source of the glowing, but it was gone nearly as quickly as it had come. The glowing red was abruptly replaced by a scream that seemed to come from much further away, and was followed shortly thereafter by the sickening stench.

A shiver ran up my spine at the sound of the scream, and Cory looked quickly over his shoulder toward the trees. The young elf got up and walked toward the trees, as if she thought to go investigate the cause of the scream. However, I have heard rabbits scream when caught by predators, and I was not about to go walking into the darkened woods to see what rabbit had been caught and was now being devoured by what predator. Even the goblins maintained a greater distance to the trees tonight than normal.

Cory seemed uncomfortable with being so close to the trees, and got up and walked toward my chaise. I smiled up at him, "want a chaise, or sitting in the sand?"

Something moved in the trees, but it was too fast to follow, and blended into the darkness too quickly.

Cory groaned as he eased back down into the sand, "I dun mind a l'il sand. Thanks fo' the off'a."

I smiled at his groan, "working hard, or hardly working?" I glanced nervously toward the trees as the woman remained watching into the darkness. She took several steps into the trees, and was swallowed by the darkness.

Cory was just answering with "a pleasin' mixture o' both," when Vincent walked through the portal.

Vincent's expression said it all as he looked around, "by the hoary hosts of Haggoth! Me thinking there's evil afoot, and not just myself?"

A blood-curdling scream ricocheted off the trees and sped across the sand of the beach. My attention was dragged off of Cory and toward the direction from whence the scream had come. A single word was discernable, "HELP!"

Vincent looked toward the darkened trees where the shriek was emanating and true panic could be heard as the plea for help came again. Vincent seemed to hone in on the location and charged headlong into the darkened trees before anyone could stop him.

I watched the place where Vincent had disappeared as Cory asked me how I had been, and whether I'd learned anything more about my intruder. I gave Cory a distracted answer, telling him that no one had admitted it, but based on the intrusion into my computer systems, I was guessing it was Kendrick who'd been the cause of the chaos.

Vincent's voice rang out from the trees, "MEDIC!"

We didn't have an medically trained personnel on the Isle! But about then Brigath walked through the portal.

The screams from the woods were weakening, as though the young elf were either dying, or slipping out of consciousness. Brig's expression showed confusion as he sought the source of the screaming. With that he took to the air and quickly located Vincent and the young woman.

Cory could hear the urgency in Vincent's voice from the trees, and he rose, walking briskly into the darkness after Vincent and Brigath. His voice soon carried from the darkness, " Wha the hell's goin' on?"

Moments later, they exited the forest bearing the body of the elf. She was alive, but clearly losing or lost a lot of blood, and from where I was, she appeared to be missing a leg!

Cory had summoned some sort of pulsing violet orb that stopped just above his left shoulder. He was deeply in communication with it when Topaz commented that replicas would be a lot better than using her for bait.

Lucien dropped an Edelweiss blossom into Topaz's hand as he nodded at Brig

"No, you shouldn't be the bait Topaz, but you should be near by to help shield us." Brig looked then at Vince, "I assume you are willing to assist me." It was not a query, but a simple statement of fact, or expectation.

Topaz caught Lucien's gift of the flower as she turned toward Brigath, "that I can do. You'll want to get away from the trees Lucien."

Brig was deeply in thought as he asked whether they should close down the portal until this was taken care of, or set safeguards for the patrons of the Isle.

Lucien gave Topaz a skeptical smirk, "Is there something in there I should be concerned about?" The rat had been listening for some time, and he was simply having fun with Topaz and her concern.

Brigath pointed to a pool of blood as Lucien remained leaning against his tree, and I reiterated that a woman had just been attacked. Quite frankly, I don't think anyone should be alone near the treeline right now.

Lucien gave us all a droll look, "attacked by what?"

No one had really described it thus far, and none of us really knew just what had moved onto the Isle.

Topaz informed Lucien that what ever "it" was, it was stinky and quick.

Lucien, in his usual unruffled manner proceeded to ask, "Stinky and quick. There are a lot of carnivorous things out there that would fit that description."

Brig looked at Topaz again, "CAN you get the goblins rounded up?"

She nodded and leaned down to chat with the closest goblin.

Brig continued, "let's keep them out of harm's way and just protect the dueling area for tonight. By tomorrow night, the thing or things will have to be pretty hungry."

Lucien nodded at Brigath, "hunger will make them bold, what bait will you use?"

Brig agreed, and I simply did not believe I was hearing these guys planning to use themselves as the bait to draw in this unknown killer. "And make them come for whatever prey they can find. In the place of OUR choosing."

I gave Lucien a disapproving stare, "Lucien? You're not joining this madness, are you?"

Lucien gave Cory a slow smile that revealed long, very sharp canine teeth, "good."

I know that expression, and it never bodes well. Ever.

Brig asked Cory to have the orb report back in 24 hours rather than 36, and Cory agreed to have it report back sooner.

Brig announced that he was going to see if he could wheedle any of the other Keepers into being here on the morrow to help deal with this thing.

Lucien gave a long look at Topaz, "You do not live upon the Isle then?"

She gave him a smile, "not these days, though sometimes I stay over night. I certainly won't tonight though."

His smile was one of confident satisfaction, "Good, I would dislike having to tie you up with a tentacle or two."

She chuckled, "you wouldn't".

I didn't have time to advise Topaz that it was never a good idea to challenge Lucien. He would without the least compunction if he thought it in her best interest.

Lucien raised a black brow at her, "If it was necessary, there is much I would do."

She was clearly not into light-hearted teasing, but she shot back at him, "What makes you think I'd let you?"

Lucien gave her a dark look, "The Isle is no place for you until this thing is found and dealt with once and for all. Unless you desire playing the role of bait?" His look was full of meaning. One thing neither Gabriel nor Lucien has is a very good sense of humor. At least Lucien makes an effort. Gabriel does not even try to look at humor and teasing as viable means of communication.

Topaz was flirting with the protective side of Lucien when she informed him, "bah, I'm the coordinator. I gotta see to it those things are removed. I at least should do a better job of protecting patrons."

Lucien announced in his uncompromising way that she should let the Hunters hunt, and remain out of harm's way. He then succinctly informed her that she would to no good putting herself at risk.

Topaz was not listening to the warning in Lucien's comments as she busily set to work putting up a series of shields around the dueling area, "I plan on coming along. I'm pretty good at this magic stuff, you know? Just ask Brigath."

Cory chimed in, "Bu' this ain'tcha fault, Topaz. Ya too valuable to lose."

Brig chuckled at some memory that I could not place due to my extended absence from RhyDin, "she HAS pulled my ass out of the fire before."

"There. He said it." She triumphantly shot at Lucien.


His expression was priceless, "A female hunter? If you are important, you should remain safe to assure the patrons that everything is being done that may be done. Not participating in the job Hunters do." His chauvinism was showing big time right now.

I chuckled, better warn her before she pushes Lucien too far, "Topaz? He's a bit of a chauvinist."

She muttered at Lucien, "and tell other people to go die? No way. Did that, don't want to have to ever again." She then tied off the shielding and the intense look of concentration on her features relaxed as she finished double-checking the shields.

Brig moved away from the rings, putting some distance between himself and the rest of us, and he seemed to be listening to the whisper of the wind.

I rose and walked after Brig, pausing beside him. He smiled down at me a bit distractedly. "You know, you shouldn't hunt this thing alone. There is safety in numbers." I really didn't want him hunting it at all, but I've seen that stubborn set to his jaw, and that expression before.

He chuckled softly, "I won't be alone. At the very least, Vince and Topaz will be there. And surely at least one of the other Keepers will see the need and step up." He was still listening to the wind, and I know there is nothing I can say to stop him from this path of insanity.

But, I had to try, "Brig, this is not a joking matter."

He turned then, "Everything is a joking matter Azjah. You just have to find the right angle. Believe me, I'll be laughing my tail off when we bring this thing down." There was a hard edge to his voice that I have seldom heard. Brig, the man who could make light of most everything had a side to him that was seldom exposed for anyone to see, but right now, I fear that inner steel will take him into trouble he's not equipped to handle alone.

"And what happens if it brings you down first?" I demanded.

"Then Vinny will destroy it, or I will," Topaz stated rather confidently.

I returned a few minutes later to hear Brig and Dmitri talking, "what are you doing chasing after something, or what are you chasing?" Dmitri was questioning him.

Brig answered "dunno what we're chasing, but it's eating patrons, and that kind of annoys me."

Dmitri gave Brig an incredulous look, "what? Who did it eat?"

Brig continued to talk to Dmitri as the goblins began to disappear as air elementals engulf them and carry them into his tower. "Liianice's leg, while she was still using it."

Dmitri asked if he could be of any help. So here was another one just itching to jump into harm's way and maybe get himself eaten! Brig smiled, "I don't know. How good are you at killing?"

He gave Brig a smile, "I can be good."

Brig nodded, "Be here tomorrow night if you want to help. When the duels open."

Dmitri nodded, he would be present. " Do you have any idea of what we are up against?"

The Keeper of Air shook his head, " Not really. Just that there is probably more than one. And it eats goblins and elves."

I could no longer keep quiet and gave them both my best 'you idiots' look, ":: Noooo, of course they don't have a clue what it is, and they're all set to confront it head on."

Brig chuckled at my sarcasm before thanking Dmitri for his offer to help hunt this thing down. And I simply growled at him.

Rena offered Brig a warehouse for the goblins, which was rather nice of her as the stench is likely to remain inside of Brig's tower for some time, let alone the damage the diminutive creatures might wreak!

Brig gave her a grateful smile, "I appreciate that, but I'm not sure what would happen to them if they tried to leave the Isle."

She repeated the offer and Brig laughed, "Thanks Rena, I'm more worried about getting the smell out after they are gone." He then sighed and told us that he needed to get up to his tower to make certain the goblins were not ransacking it. His sigh spoke volumes. He would be spending the night policing a horde of the little creatures.

He walked toward my chaise, placing his hand on my shoulder, giving it an understanding squeeze, "Don't worry, I'm not looking to get myself killed."

I took a sip of scotch and gave him a skeptical look, "You had better not." I did not want to face the prospect of losing such an old and dear friend.

Topaz and Lucien were still talking, and had moved closer together and I noted that Lucien was watching the fairy very closely. He finally reached down and plucked the Edelweiss from her hand and slid it into her hair. She was telling him there was really no need to worry, and that she'd done similar things previously, and has lived to tell about it and bury the dead. A commander she said should only order what she is willing to do herself.

He smiled indulgently, "Slaying is for Hunters, not for lovely creatures of light. And there are field commanders, and there are strategic commands. You are not required to be field personnel."

She continued to try to convince Lucien that she needed to be here, and told him, "but you see, most people do not believe in fairies, so unless I want to be seen, they don't. A huge asset in a lot of missions."

He nodded, "allow me to see you off the Island tonight? And you are correct, remaining out of sight has its usefulness."

She agreed to permit his escort, which is helpful since I suspect he would have done so with or without her permission, and about that moment, Gabriel appeared nearby, which freed Lucien to escort Topaz home.

Brig gave me a very thoughtful look, and I reached up to place my hand over his, which was still upon my shoulder, "Brigath, make sure you have backup." I cannot tell him why, but something tells me this thing is worse than anyone suspects, and that worries me.

Dmitri heard me, and told me he would be here, and that he was going to stay on the Isle to see if it came out later on in search of goblins, or perhaps him. I warned him to look out for Cory's sentinal before turning to Brig.

He lowered his voice and squatted in the sand beside me, "Strange question for you."

I leaned closer, as a conspirator might lean closer to someone's whispered words.

He had just started to speak when Klinton stepped through the portal, giving a quick glance around the Isle before seeing me with Brigath.

Brig spotted Klinton, and whispered, "nevermind."

"Nevermind?" This seemed very strange for me coming from Brig, and he stood up.

He stood there poised a moment, as though considering, and then simply and enigmatically said, "I'll just say this. If something DOES happen to me, don't go shooting any wolves that show up at your door." With that, he stepped away from me and turned toward Rena, "You offering to help me manage them tonight?"

She nodded and told him that while she could not hunt, she could babysit. Brig was taking her up on her offer, and shortly the two departed for Brig's tower.

Lucien offered Topaz his arm, and the two of them headed for the portal as Topaz bade us good night.
_________________

Brig sat cross legged on the top of the tower, looking down towards the lagoon. He and Rena had gotten the goblins squared away in the bottom level of the tower, and after a drink he had shown her to one of the guest rooms. As soon as the door was closed, the roof top perch had called to him and he had sat there through much of the night.

He really wasn?t worried about the coming hunt. In spite of what Azjah had said, he had no intention of playing the hero. The power of himself, two former archmages, and Lucien (whatever he was), should be plenty to handle the situation, even if no other Keepers were able to help. But something about Azjah?s words had struck a chord in him.

And so he sat, watching the lagoon, meditating, and exploring his thoughts and feelings to discover what had caused the reverberation.

Near dawn he stirred. A smile found its way to his lips as he whispered a single word and sent it whisking away on the wind.

?Kayla?

=====================
Near the rings the portal flashed and as something translated through. But there were none near the rings to see it, and it was gone as quick as a thought.

=====================
Brig stepped off the edge of the tower and let himself freefall for 50 feet or so before bringing himself to a gentle landing next to the snow white wolf that sat there waiting for him. He dropped to his knees with a huge grin and embraced her, which the wolf endured with stoic poise. As he released her, she deigned to lick his cheek once, and then sat still again, watching him as he rose back to his feet.

?You still game, dear heart? It?s been a long time, but it feels right.? He looked down at her affectionately. She merely continued to stare at him, waiting with a patience learned over long years.

His laugh echoed against the wall of the tower. ?All right, all right. Business later.? The air around him shimmered and then a jet black wolf stood next to the white one. Kayla let out a howl of delight and the two raced down the mountain side neck and neck.

I arrived to find the Hunters, and the fairy assembled and prepared to begin the search. A white wolf was pacing back and forth between the trees and the rings in agitation, and a desire to be off after the prey. As I swept a glance around the Isle, I noticed several people carrying silver weapons, and heard Brigath announce my arrival as I faded into view.

I gave Brigath a formal nod. He was a special friend of the Marchioness, and as such, warranted my respect, although he seems a carefree soul, and I find it difficult to see him as a warrior and leader of this hunt. But, tonight will show the man's mettle.

The fairy's voice carried from about 15 feet up in a tree, "there he is, hullo Lucien." I scowled seeing the fairy present and prepared to join the hunters.

"I thought we understood your place was not here." I stated to the woman. Clearly she did not listen to reason.

Brigath snapped, "She's coming. Get over it. You may not need her, but I do."

I turned slowly toward Brigath, "I did not take you for a man to put females in danger." I find it unthinkable that any Hunter would 'need' a woman present in the perils of hunting this evil.

Brigath shrugged, "well, you took me wrong then."

Several of the others gave me an odd look, and the one known as Vincent stated that they were for equal rights between men and women, including the equal right to do what it takes to get something done. Clearly he has no respect for the different roles Hunters play from the women, who are the light and strength of a Hunter. They do not respect their women, and I find that very sad for their species.

Her voice held amusement of all things as she said, "you misunderstood, obviously." Then she moved to join the group, "It's the beasties that put everyone in danger."

I misunderstood nothing. She was walking into danger and that would take concentration away from the hunters as we must protect her as well. She might be the cause of a hunter not succeeding, and that is a difficult thing for any true Hunter to accept.

Brigath then looked at Kayla and at our small group, "everyone ready to go?" As everyone confirmed that they were ready, he turned to the wolf, "lead on". And we moved into the forest in search of our quarry.

The wolf let out a howl and raced onward. For a moment I considered shifting into the form of a wolf, but an inner voice suggested that I not let on that I could communicate directly with this white wolf. Everyone followed, and the deeper we got into the forest, the more it became apparent that I would need to shift, and I chose the form of the predator of the night, and the owl became my means of locomotion.

Brigath used his power over the element of air and floated through the air. Vincent took up the rear guard as Dmitri leaped into the trees, using the skill of elven kind to move in silence amidst the branches.

The white wolf followed the scent of decaying flesh. Her ability to follow a scent trail is invaluable. She led us into the western plains, and I could feel the others spreading their gifts and senses out, seeking the creature or creatures who'd attacked the elf woman and slain the goblins. Brigath remained low, zipping back and forth avoiding the tree trunks as we progressed deeper into the wilderness of the Isle.

Kayla, the white wolf as I learned her name to be, broke from the trees, and turned North, following along the edge of the plains, when she abruptly halted, and lifted her muzzle to the night with a howl of warning. Brigath dropped to the ground beside the wolf, communing with her and learning what her warning meant for the group of Hunters.

I circled overhead, using the keen sight of the owl to search the area in great detail, noting that the fairy kept back from the group. While she was not in the lead should an attack happen, she was dangerously behind us, and easy prey for a rear assault.

As we reformed into a single group, Brigath indicated a slight rise at the edge of the plain. "We think they are there. There is a cave around the other side." Everyone surveyed the site, and Topaz's voice carried to the group, "There's something mostly North and a little West."

Brigath nodded hearing her, "Hopefully that's them." He then pulled a token Kelathe had given him from his robes and tossed it toward Topaz's voice, "Use this when you deem appropriate. Kayla and I will circle around and approach from the front, try to draw them out."

I turned my night adjusted sight toward the north and west where the fairy had sensed something, and there I found movement. The Hunt was on.

Dmitri asked if the plan was to draw them back here for an ambush, and Brigath then began directing everyone into the places he felt would be most advantageous. He sent Dmitri west, Vincent to come over the top of the hill, and me to the West. When there were no objections, we all moved into position. At that point, I shifted into humanoid form and moved silently to the west.

Twin pillars of stone rose from the ground, carrying a Lych skyward and then began to crush the Lych at the direction of the elven hunter.

I heard a scream, and watched as one of the things reached for Vincent. He faded and reappeared some distance away. His teeth were chattering, but he was fairly unscathed.

In that instant, the fairy closed in and thrust a rapier forward, sliding it between the flesh dripping ribs of the Lych. It screamed, surprise and horror echoed across the Isle as it crumpled to the ground in slow motion. She left the blade buried in the corpse of the Lych, the enchantments upon it keeping the Lych from regenerating.

The tentacles I'd summoned waved in the air, seeking the second Lych as Brigath was stalking a third. As the second Lych moved toward Brigath, the chill of the grave causing the tentacles that touched the Lych to turn black and frozen, thus I abandoned attempted to entrap it using the tentacles.

Brigath continued to stalk the second Lych, his staff spinning dangerously, and suddenly the ground beneath his feet moved, and another stinking creature erupted from the ground, throwing him into the air, and violently impacting a tree. His scream of pain from the cold was cut short as his body impacted the tree at considerable velocity.

I opened the ground near the 4th creature, sending a swarm of flesh eating beetles careening toward it, and Dmitri shouted and ran at the creature, slamming large boulders at it as he covered the distance between himself and Brigath's inert form.

Kayla stopped dead in her tracks, and her howl told me what I had guessed. She stood at his side, his body bent and twisted at impossible angles.

In a blur of motion, the Lych sought to escape the flesh eating beetles, but a few reached it, chewing hungrily into the decaying flesh. They would not stop the Lych, but distraction is always useful when fighting such creatures from beyond the grave. I reached out my right hand, narrowing my focus on the Lych as a ball of blue-white lightening formed in my hand. It crackled and grew as I pulled the power of the storm into my hand.

Vincent managed to decapitate the Lych he was engaged with, and it wailed and collapsed into a pile of rotten flesh and separated bones. Vincent's eyes were full of hatred and rage, and his voice lifted above the din, "For your trespass against the Knight Magus of the White Lady, I condemn your ashes to hell the likes of which you have never seen." White flames sprang from his hands to immolate what was left of the creature.

I threw the lightening ball at the Lych I had, and instantly shifted into the owl form. Razor sharp talons raking at the thing's head and face. It was too stunned to disapparate, and grappled with me as I continued my assault. The cold was bitter and bit deeply into the hollow bones of the owl form. It worked hard to tear me apart, and suddenly pain ripped through the owl's wings

A raven rose from the Lych that had fallen first, flying straight as an arrow at the third Lych's back. It sank its beak in deep before pulling back and flying off with a dripping mass in its beak. Vincent pulled his blade from the ashes of his Lych and followed the raven. And then the fairy flew between Vincent and the raven!

I landed on the ground hard as the lych crumpled to the ground. One wing completely unusable, the bones crushed and frozen. In pain, I shifted back into humanoid form, drawing an ancient dagger from my boot. This dagger came from the Crusades, and was a relic that even the Lyches could not ignor. Holding the dagger in my good hand, I advanced on the Lych.

The Isle was quiet, only Gavilean and Kyndra were near the rings. But I know Lucien had come to join the hunt for the creature that was killing goblins. I found them standing together, as though Gavilean was trying to comfort or protect Kyndra as the hunters departed.

Moments after I walked in, Cory followed. I headed for my chaise in the sand to wait for the outcome of this awful ?hunt?.

Gavilean stood, bowing with all of the Courtly grace his position demanded, ?Baroness von Drachen Walde, I am pleased to see you once again.?

I smiled, ?Good evening Gavilean, or should I refer to you by title?? I had not heard anyone refer to his title as King, but since he had addressed me by one of my titles, perhaps formality was what he preferred.

Kyndra greeted me, and I bade her a good evening. I cannot be angry with her, it is Klinton who wanted her.

Gavilean smiled, ?Oh, please, Gavilean is fine, or if you prefer m?lady, Gav is what my friends call me.?

I nodded at him, and looked around for a sign of the goblins, ?Gav it is. I find I have taken a liking to being away from Court.? The formality and the ease with which one can insult a Peer can be tiresome.

He smiled and moved closer, ?Aye, I also have enjoyed my time away from the regalia.?

?The petty rivalries of Court can be tiring. Are you ready for the ceremony?? He was shortly to be wed to Tera, and the two of them seemed very happy.

Gav nodded, the smile on his face told the tale, ?the day cannot come soon enough, m?lady.?

I wished them both much happiness, and he inquired whether I would be present for the festivities. ?I am planning to do so Gav. I cannot speak for Klinton of course.? And I could not help glance at Kyndra.

The tension waiting for the hunting party to return grew. Kyndra glanced at Gav, ?I wonder what is happening, I do hope they find whatever it was that attacked the elf.?

Gav turned toward Kyndra with a smile, ?I?m sure they will be alright. They seem quite skilled.?

She shuddered delicately, ?Aye, they do, but I heard that thing ate that elf?s leg off.?

I winced, ?Yes, the young woman lost a leg, it was horrible.?

Abruptly, a white blur raced across the sand toward the portal, and a flash as it passed through the portal. ?What on earth?? I was still surprised by the speed with which the creature had flashed by us.

I looked at Kyndra as she too was startled by the sight, ?I sure hope they aren?t scaring them back this direction?? She seemed worried that indeed the monsters may come this way and it certainly was a possibility, but that white streak didn?t look dangerous to us.

Someone I had not met previously looked at Kyndra, ?Don?t worry lass, I?d kill anything that came this way. Can?t have officials of the duels getting waylaid? maybe laid, but not waylaid.? He winked mischievously at her, but he could not know the seriousness of the reason for the hunt.

Kyndra couldn?t help but laugh, ?well, waylaid would definitely be bad.?

The stranger introduced himself to me, but I found my attention more riveted on the woods than on conversation, and I do owe the gentleman my apologies when next we meet. He introduced himself as Elijah Basha Uhr.

He followed my gaze toward the woods as time dragged on. Kyndra spoke up, voicing my concern as well, ?It?s been awhile now?. I?m getting worried.

Out of no where, Vincent appeared. His words brought the news we least wished to hear, ?It?s over, although there were casualties.?

Kyndra startled and jumped as Vincent appeared near the rings, and then Lucien stepped from the tree line. I rose slowly to my feet, Lucien was carrying a casualty, and I knew that inert form draped over his shoulder, ?Brigath? I whispered. I could feel the blood rush to my feet. I watched in silence as they crossed the remaining distance. There was no need to ask. There was no breath in that body.

Kyndra turned to look as I?d whispered Brig?s name, and I blinked hard. I would not cry, not here. ?That pig headed, ornery??. Idiot!? The words were choked out quietly as Lucien laid him in the sand beside the callers couch. Kyndra stood, and her hands went to her face to cover her gasp of shock.

I walked very slowly toward his body. The broken remains of a man who had been fun loving and vibrant in life was now only a lifeless husk that had been shattered. I knelt beside him, slowly settling into the sand, and Lucien stood behind me. My words were meant only for Brig, ?You left me you wastrel? you left me years ago, but not like this.? Abruptly anger welled within at this travesty, and I found my hand slapping his face with every ounce of frustration and anger I felt over his death. With that, I rose, not daring to look at anyone else and walked silently toward the portal, vanishing through it.

Lucien bowed to Topaz and followed me through the portal.

The night the Marquess told her that he had been unfaithful had passed without incident. I had maintained a vigil in the Great Room, knowing that when the Marquess returned, he would come through the main hall. It was the only way to reach the private quarters of the Palazzo. The second night I was reading a clay tablet from Sumeria when I heard the Marquess arrive.

He stopped in the Great Hall seeing me there and obviously awaiting his return. I set the tablet down and rose, "I would not proceed Marquess."

He looked at me and nodded, "duly noted, but I need to speak with my wife."

I shook my head, "She will not see you tonight. She has changed the locks Marquess." I did not add that her pain was sharp and deep, and it would take time for that to abate enough for him to expect to have a discussion on where they will go from here.

He gave me a nervous chuckle, "I would expect nothing less. I'm assuming she has not changed ALL the locks to ALL the bedrooms?"

"She has changed but one set of locks. You are not forbidden from living within these walls. She cannot divorce you." I felt it important to remind him that even if he chose to live apart from the Marchioness, he could not be divorced, and as such, he would not be able to have another woman as anything more than a concubine, and to live his life as an adulterer.

He gave me a slightly startled look, "Does she want a divorce?"

"She did not say Marquess. She said precisely not one word. But, I feel the pain she feels. You are the one who did admit cheating on her. Do you know sir what it is you desire?" I looked hard at him. There is no doubt what the Marchioness wants. I've known her too long, and I hear too much not to know. But this man I do not know well, and I have not been pushed to invade his privacy beyond assuring that he would not physically harm the Marchioness.

He gave me a slightly irritated look, "I desire having this conversation with her."

I gave him a slight bow, "You are, of course, welcome to endeavor that discussion. Do not be surprised if she does not grant you that discussion tonight."

The Marquess nodded, but did not move down the hall. Rather, he stood there, as though waiting for me to say something more. I could have sought the information without his consent, but at length, asked, "Do you desire the other woman more than the one who pledged her life and heart to you?"

"No." He did not elaborate, nor add any excuses for his actions. Simply, "no."

I picked up the clay tablet I had been studying, "be certain Marquess. While you cannot be divorced, there have been many Peers who live separate lives."

He gave me a frown, "I do not wish to toy with Azjah, Gabriel."

I held his gaze unblinkingly, "but you did."

He nodded, "Yes, I did."

"I bid you a reflective evening Marquess." And with that, I faded from sight.

I had spent the evening calling matches on Twilight Isle bordering on public tears. Every time the spell foul fog was cast, I couldn?t help but remember the teasing Brig and I had shared. But now he was gone. And that loss hurt deeply. It was pain that I have never considered, that I would lose the only other man I?d ever given my heart to, and each memory came to the fore front as I struggled to get through the night.

At the close of my shift, I walked through the portal from Twilight Isle and headed for my car. Gabriel was just behind me as I arrived at my car. There sat the white wolf I had seen before; the same one that had gone streaking across the beach and vanished through the portal. Now the female wolf sat patiently waiting, for me it seemed. I paused to study her, ?I?m afraid I don?t understand. Brig said you might come to the door, but?.?

I was just about to ask Gabriel to speak to the wolf, and I had knelt down beside her when a cloaked figure stepped out of the shadows from around the corner of a nearby building. My name was spoken softly from the cloaked figure. My attention snapped toward the unrecognizable figure as I felt Gabriel tense. My left hand reaching instinctively for the shoulder holster I always wore. The gun slid from the holster and was raised toward the approaching figure.

He quickly held up his hands to show they are empty, and then slowly reached one hand up to draw the hood back, revealing his face, ?I?d really prefer not to die again, if it? all the same to you.? A familiar lopsided grin met my disbelieving stare.

The barrel of the gun wavered slightly, ?Brigath?? I blinked, it couldn?t be. Brig was dead. I?d seen it myself. Gabriel had assured me the body had been cremated in its entirety. Yes here was a man who could only have been Brigath approaching me with caution.

He kept his hand up, ?rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.? There was a sadness in his smile, but there was also a twinkle of mischief that I had seen so many times before. The voice was right, the inflections were right, even the movements were right, but, Brigath had died. I had been there!

I rose slowly from my crouched position beside the wolf, never taking my aim from dead center of his chest. ?I saw your body. There was no life in it. Lucien confirmed that you were gone.? Lucien had assured me that there was no chance to bring him back. He?d entered Brig?s body and confirmed nothing could be done. Lucien would never make a mistake such as that.

The man claiming to be Brigath nodded, ?Gone indeed. When my neck broke, my spirit was transferred to my dear friend there,? and he gave a slight nod to the white wolf beside me.

I hazarded a glance at the wolf, and struggled to find my voice, ?Gabriel cremated your remains.? I was bordering on shock, and the events of the previous night was in counterpoint to what I was seeing and talking with right now.

Brigath maintained a soft spoken demeanor, ?Your warnings of the night before did not go unheeded, you see.?

The wolf continued to gaze up stoicly at me while Brigath spoke.

I gave him a suspicious look, ?Tell me then, if you are Brigath, what was the name of the woman you left for me?? I needed to know for certain. It was no great thing to obtain charms that allowed one to take on the outer appearance of another, but only Brig would remember the woman?s name.

He chuckled low, ?well, you certainly prefer a painful memory. Merewyne Bane Branneth.? He slowly lowered his hands, but they remained in clear sight.

I winced, slowly lowering the gun barrel. Painful? Why? Had he regretted our time together? Had I brought him pain rather than happiness during our time? But the name was right.

He continued, ?If you like, I can also tell you the wine that we drank that night. Or the texture of the silk robe you wore.?

Flailing, he caught himself with his hands before any serious damage could be done, and then laughingly climbed to his feet, brushing off his hands in the process. I walked toward him, giving him a hug of my own volition this time, ?You are impossible. You do know that? You had me in tears! TEARS!?

He smiled slightly, and gave me a kiss on my forehead. ?All sentimental over your favorite spell!? I began muttering, I was giving away too much, saying too much.

He hugged me slightly, ?Aye, if I wasn?t impossible, we might still be together. I am truly sorry though for the pain you?ve had.?

I gave him a surprised look, ?You didn?t want to go when I went home. Now that I know though about your nine lives friend Kayla, I just might shoot you!? Still together? Had there been any future for us back then? My thoughts raced back to when we had parted company when Kayla shifted. ?Brig? Just how many times have you two done this??

He laughed, ?Just give me warning first. I have to be prepared for it to work.? His face grew serious then, ?It?s been?. A few.?

I quirked a brow at him, ?WARN you? Like you warned me?? I gave him an unladylike snort, and contemplated what he was saying. ?A few? Brig, how old are you?? If he?s done this a ?few? times, he could well be very, very old, or, he gets into more trouble than I?d given him credit for getting into.

He gave me one of his trademark half smiles, ?oh, several hundred years I?d guess. Kinda lose track after a while.?

I gave him a wry laugh, ?well, at least you?re honest about it. How did you get your body back after Gabriel cremated it?? I was very curious how he resurrected the ashes back into the form he?d had before.

Brig cringed visibly, ?oh, that, well, it didn?t. I had to get a new one.?

The last words were spoken so softly I nearly missed hearing them. ?You are solid, real, and look like you.? I didn?t want to believe Brig was a body snatcher.

He tried to put a lighter spin on things, ?You?ve seen me change into a wolf, have you not??

I nodded, I?d seen him do that many times, ?Of course I have, but I don?t understand how that plays into this.? Shape shifting is a fairly common gift around RhyDin, but it assumed you had a body to start with in the first place.

He got serious then, ?it?s far easier to change the features of my face than to change my whole body into another creature entirely.? His eyes held mine, insisting that I not shirk from what he was telling me.

I felt the blood drain from my face, ?But?. Brigath?. Bodies do not just lie around waiting for you to put them on like some kind of sick cloak.? The image of picking up and donning bodies like coats came unbidden to my mind, and I could not suppress the shudder of revulsion.

He shook his head slowly, ?no, no they don?t. I contacted an old acquaintance to help me find a person that was no longer deserving of inhabiting a body.?

I closed my eyes and stepped back as horror created the picture in my mind, ?They were alive, weren?t they?? I wrapped both arms around myself as his meaning grew clearer. He couldn?t don a dead body. No, it would have to be someone alive. Someone who would be killed to make room for Brig. The body he occupied wasn?t his. I shuddered again.

I never saw his nod, nor his eyes on mine, but I heard in his voice a need to be honest with me, ?yes, they were.?

I swallowed hard. Were. That one word said it all. ?someone procured a living person that you?..? I let my words trail off, I couldn?t say it, not about the man I?d once loved, and discovered that I care still very deeply for.

?That I killed,? he provided for me.

I shuddered again and turned toward my car before opening my eyes. I couldn?t look at him. Not right now. I didn?t want to know how he?d done it. I didn?t want to know the details about what happened. Not right now. Maybe not ever. I did know I needed to get away.

I paused with my hand on the door handle of the Testarossa, ?Brig, I?m happier than you can know that you are alive. I am. But this is going to take some time for me to accept.?

Finally, mustering up the courage to face him and not disintegrate into tears, I saw his sorrow written in his face, but there was no remorse for what he?d done when he said, ?I understand completely Azjah.?

I took a deep breath, I had to get this out before I lost my courage, ?You were the first person I fell in love with. I never stopped loving you in my own way. Give me time to accept what you?ve just told me.?

Could I ever accept it? Could I?

Kayla rose from where she had been laying beside my car, and I nodded at her, ?I meant it when I said thank you.?

She looked up at me directly for the first time, and then my gaze lifted back to Brigath. ?You have managed to hit every emotion there is Brig. You drag out anger, fury, fear, terror, relief, friendship, love, and passion.? With that, I got into my car and laid my head against the steering wheel.

Kayla let out a bark that might have been a laugh if I spoke wolven. Gabriel settled beside me.

I didn?t look out the window at Brig, ?and even revulsion.? Then turning over the engine, I put the car into gear and pulled away from the portal. It would be a very long time before I could face Brigath again.

Lucien leaned against a tree trunk behind me, watching Brigath with an intensity that was unsettling.

The goblin soon returned with my scotch, and a layered concoction that was carefully set down before Klinton. He nodded at the goblin and then glanced uneasily toward Kyndra. He shifted his gaze and smiled at me before tasting the layered concoction the goblins had brought to him.

Kyndra returned shortly wearing her grass skirt and coconut half bikini top. I blinked, she was stunning. There were several wolf whistles, and Lucien watched Kyndra closely before gliding closer to Brigath. Brig glanced quickly at Klinton and I, .and I felt Lucien's antagonism as he asked Brig if the flowers were for his funeral. I winced. Lucien was extremely displeased with Brigath, and the tension was growing. I know that no one but Brig and I heard Lucien, but that did not allay my concerns over Lucien's current state of mind. And then Lucien gave Brig a fanged smile that was anything but reassuring as Brig suddenly realized Lucien was as close as he was.

Brig's gaze narrowed at Lucien, but whatever he was thinking did not pass his lips at that point.

Klinton sipped his drink and gasped. Whatever the goblins had brought was rough. And he was avoiding looking at Kyndra despite the wolf whistles from the appreciative males on the Isle. I had to chuckle though at the expression on his face, whether it was from the drink or Kyndra, I can't be certain, but it was priceless.

I kicked off the stilettos and curled up against Klinton. "she looks festive," I commented. She was talking with Brigath, and asking where her lei was, as he took one from around his neck and dropped it over her head.

Lucien glided back to stand behind me, but his focus remained on Brig.

I leaned against Klinton's shoulder, "we didn't dress the part my dear." I was trying very hard not to look at Brig, but found my gaze shifting that direction repeatedly. We had come from dinner out, and I had no grass skirt nor flowers in my hair, he grinned, "at least I have a lei."

I chuckled softly, "you will always have a lei."

We were teasing one another amiably as he announced that he would hold me to that promise. He was propped up in the sand beside my chaise and tried another sip of the goblin special, so I reached for his lei, tugging gently to gain his attention.

Kyndra was telling Brigath that she hoped to be a bit distracting for the party, and perhaps a certain dragon. I heard Brig tell her that said dragon would not be there as he had withdrawn his entry, but there was no remorse in Brig's expression. He was savoring being in Kyndra's spotlight.

The Roman, Cassius sailed onto the beach, and abruptly shot a look at Brigath, "I thought you were dead."

Brig chuckled, "Ah, that death thin, yeah, that rumor was going around. But, as you can see, I'm alive and well."

I shuddered. It was no rumor; he HAD been dead. And was only here now because he has become a body snatcher. He was only here because someone else was dead. Klinton tightened his arm around me, inquiring if I was cold. I was, but it was not an externally induced chill. I rubbed my hands up and down my arms, glancing at Klinton, "Just a sudden chill."

Cassius was struggling with a toga, and Brigath tossed him a lei, "here, just wear this, it's more appropriate for tonight."

Klinton shook his head, ?how long has he been doing it??

I sipped the scotch before answering very softly, ?he said ?several? times, and when I asked just how old he was, he simply said a couple of hundred years,? He actually is not certain how old he is right now.

Klinton sighed quietly, ?are you mad that he is a body snatcher, or mad that you just found out about it??

And there was the crux of the problem, I didn?t know.

Serveral goblins were attempting to tie a grass skirt around Rab?s middle, and I had to chuckle as Rab started dancing clumsily away from the goblins. ?Whoa there,? he yelled, endeavoring to drive them away, ?no, no, no, see, I?ve had my dayful of goblin doin?s arready!? But they were ignoring him and continued trying to get him decked out in a grass skirt.

I heard a sharp hiss and turned to see a bold goblin trying to get close to Lucien, and then saw one goblin manage to get part of a skirt shoved into Rab?s belt. ?Ack!? Rab made for the punchbowl and was trailing a half applied grass skirt as flaps behind him. Rab was ineffectually shooing goblins, ?g?on! Pester someone else!?

Lucien was not being a good sport about it, he snarled at the goblins pestering him, and showed long white fangs every time they tried to get close to him. Abruptly Lucien turned into a half wolf, half Carpathian and lunged at the goblins who were pressing their luck. They ran off in a multitude of directions, each taking part of the grass skirt they were trying to get on Lucien.

Rab seemed to have a change of heart, his expression changed and he muttered, ?ah, yeh little bleeders, jest doin? yer job now, eh?? Then Rab caught sight of Lucien, and let out a screech, ?AH!!!!!!!!? taking a few hasty steps back before muttering, ?Magikers!?

Lucien?s dead black eyes locked onto Rab in that half wolven form and Rab grinned meagerly, ?nice wolfie, er, halfie wolfie.? As he continued to backstep away from Lucien, Lucien began to stalk him.

I was answering Klinton?s question, toying with the glass of scotch, ?I do not believe I am angry. Shocked, taken back, repulsed?. But?.?

Rab retreated double time toward my chaise as Lucien snarled, ?er? was all I heard before looking up to see Rab wide-eyed watching Lucien approach. Rab was towering behind me, but looked very uncertain, ?er, Azjah? That Magiker is stalkin? me. Make it stop.? And he pointed at Lucien.

I had to struggle not to smile. Lucien wouldn?t hurt Rab, so I looked up at the half and half form Lucien had taken, ?Lucien, that is playing unfairly.?

Rab waved his big, callused and very empty hands at Lucien, ?I left me mallet home, not fightin at all.?

Lucien then shifted into an entirely wolven form and resumed stalking Rab. Who looked at me with wide eyes, ?Azjah, I thought yeh?d help! Now lookit him!? I glanced at Lucien, who had taken the form of a very large, dark grey wolf with slavering jaws, and drool dripping onto the sand from very long canines.

Rab began rummaging rather franticly around in his pockets, a look of inspiration on his face. He produced a large sandwich of very questionable contents, ?here yeh go, wolfie man?. Where upon he flung the cheesy mass at Lucien.

About that time, Brigath?s voice bellowed out, ?LUCIEN! BACK OFF THE GUEST STARS!?

Lucien lifted his head disdainfully, and glowered at Brigath. I smiled at Rab, ?he won?t hurt you Rab, he?s enjoying terrorizing you.?

Xerzes arrived, and Rab gave him a grin, "Xerzes was eliminated in the lobby!" And Brig broke into laughter hearing him. Xerzes however did not see the humor in being ribbed.

Klinton looked up at me, his goblin surprise only partly consumed. "Wanna go put on swim suits?"

I leaned close and kissed his cheek, "we could." It would be easier for me
to slip into the water than it would be to remain here and listen to Brig
right now. Klinton watched me closely a moment before adding that we could
depart and have our own party. I gave him a bright smile, but then I
caught sight of Berrin. Threading my fingers around Klinton's lei, I
remained close to him as Berrin simply stared at me. "What kind of party
did you have in mind?" I was trying hard to ignor Berrin and Brig, but it
wasn't working.

Des suddenly saw Vanion, and she fairly squeaked and ran to hide behind Rab
as she began gesticulating wildly at Vanion, "ACK!" She was speaking
rapidly, something about Vanion having tried to kill her earlier.

Rab was shielding Des, and commenting to Rena about her tall thin drink
with flowers poked up out of it, and holding a gigantic pineapple in his
other hand. "I found this fruit., they said it was a garnish, but I know
it's a pineapple." He studied the pineapple and then tried to tuck it into
his pocket. "OW!" Rab yelped over Brig's announcements, and hastily pulled
it from his pocket, muttering to himself.

Querylon greeted Vincent with a bright smile as she draped a lei around his
neck. Somehow the image of Vincent wearing flowers seemed so out of place
given the dealings I have had with the man. But he returned her smile and
they listened politely to Brig's opening announcements.

The official known as Tera Destre hid behind Neo, peeking over his shoulder and sticking her tongue out at Vanion before ducking back down to hide. She saw Xerzes arrival, and greeted him, but kept a wary eye on the vampiric elf.

Brigath continued to address the audience, "Our fine commentators this evening will be Rab of the Mallet, and Tera Destre, soon to be Tera Starfare. And now, HERE WE GO!"

The Roman, Cassius needled Xerzes, "You show up for tournaments like you duel in Diamond Quests, dead last."

The duelers headed for the ring, alliances formed, and I heard Kyndra say to Brigath and Des, "I hope you two have a bucket of water handy if my outfit goes up in flames."

Rab made his way to stand beside Destre, telling Kyndra "Ayep, if yer outfit goes up in flames, there'll be many hands to put it out." He nodded sagely before beginning his commentator's role. "Yer all in for a big mess. Lover gainst lover and brother gainst arch-evil-enemy an all that. IT?S A FINE NIGHT FOR DAMAGE!" And then he promptly covered his ears with his hands as though expecting something to go BANG any moment.

Des agreed with Rab, "Oh, this is so grand, don't ya think Rab? So exciting."

He still had his hands over his ears, "WHAT?"

Des continued, "Who is gonna hit who, and how and with what?"

Rab grinned, "Hope yeh got a janitorial someone for all the body parts Brig."

The first several rounds showed that Artemus was the premier target for this tournament. He was summarily attacked by Vanion's alliance, and was the first to be eliminated from the competition. Rab seemed surprised by the taking of sides in such a flagrant manner, "I mean, could that many really dislike Art and Xerzes that much? They're kind to animals and such. Not like Vanion for instance, or so they say."

Destre booed Vanion and his allies soundly, clearly not maintaining an air of independence as commentators.

Xerzes was soon to follow. The alliances clearly marking certain people in a pecking order for elimination.

Queen Teleperien arrived and skirted the crowd in search of a table, and was greeted by Rab, whom she graciously greeted in retrurn. I caught a faint image of the elven woman's thoughts, and apparently the carpenter has trouble with magic and has fallen into fits in the past when too much was surrounding him.

I stood completely still, my focus on Brigath. The ending of this tournament could not come soon enough. We have a score to settle, and we will settle it tonight.

The Marquess and Marchioness returned dressed for taking a swim in the warm waters off the Isle. He wore only swimming trunks and escorted the Marchioness who was dressed in pale blue bikini and white silk wrap. The Marquess had his arm around her waist, and I was pleased to note that she looked a bit more relaxed than she had been since Brigath's return.

King Gavilean Starfare arrived through the portal right behind The Caer's, and he came with a beach towel and wearing shorts. It seems very odd for me to see royalty dressed thusly, it is not the way of my people nor Rigel, but this place does lend itself to unusual combinations.

The King and the Marchioness greeted one another, before the Marquess leaned closer to speak to Azjah. I could hear him clearly, as he asked her what she would do with him in this water all by themselves. Her greeting to Gavilean resulted in a muttered answer for himself, "invite others over apparently." But the King was much too interested in seeing Tera, and he made a beeline for the commentator.

I heard Rena comment to someone that the alliances formed this night would not last, and she is certainly correct in that respect. They would not last beyond this very night.

I dropped into a pounce ready position near the officials, and my nose twitched slightly as I waited. A soft snarl rumbled from my throat as I watched Brigath. About that time I heard Topaz walk up from the beach, waving and greeting everyone as she moved forward. I froze in mid stalk.

She spotted me and winked before moving on to join Xenograg and Teleperien, and I resumed my inexorable approach toward my quarry.

She sat down and joined them, and I heard her tell them that her senior officers were all out of town. We would need to have discussions about sharing that kind of information so freely in such a public forum. Do fairies have no sense of self preservation?

She quickly covers, "Oh, I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. Oops." But she did not appear to be in the least bit remorseful about saying such a thing in public. She then changed the subject, asking what she had missed so far.

I growled low. She needs a Hunter just to keep her safe from her own folly!

My growl had Rab nervously looking behind him, as though he were afraid I might have snuck up behind him, but he is not my quarry.

Des commented again for Topaz that Vanion had tried to kill her, and the elven Queen looked at her with an expression that said she too has had close calls with the vampire. Topaz told her that "Vanion has nothing but bad blood, that's no news."

I caught a fleeting image from the vampire of humor, and something about simply being misunderstood. Every Vampyr I have hunted has felt the same, but in the end, it is because they are understood that they are shunned and feared as they are.

I felt Topaz's gaze seek me out amongst the crowd, and I slunk lower to the ground, watching every movement of my quarry. I could feel the urge to hunt rising sharply.

Rab commented that he?d like to see in the ring was the sudden appearance of exotic beasties to fight in the place of the sorcerers, animals like elephants and dragons, but I don?t think he would like to have a dragon rampant if my little snarls worry him so.

Topaz laughed, ?be careful what you wish for Rab.?

Destre agreed, ?Ohhh, now that would be mighty fine to see Rab, like Kalinda and her tattooes that come to life!?

I swung my head toward Rab and gave him a full mouth wolfish smile before padding slowly toward the fairy. I was greeted with a warm smile and a scratch behind my ear. ?How are you this evening??

Xenograg looked at Topaz, ?that wolf seems to not like me.?

She chuckled merrily, ?I wonder why.?

He winked at her, ?I suppose I am just too dangerous.?

I did not look at Xenograg, but focused my attention upon Brigath as Topaz observed that it was wonderful that he was back. There are many words I would use to describe the condition of his return, but wonderful is not one I would consider. I growled low at their discussion.

Topaz chuckled as she continued to stroke my fur, ?I know, and he deserved every bit of the beating Azjah was sure to have given him. But don?t you think one dressing down?s enough??

Xenograg shot me another look. ?I will not cross the Marchioness.?

I nuzzled her hand, but continued a low rumbling growl at Brigath.

She leaned down close to my ears, ?He did say the previous owner had misbehaved. Very much misbehaved. Like the lich-things maybe.?

I turned my head toward her, giving a short bark, and returned to watching the caller.

?Yes Sir,? she replied to my bark. I wanted to grin, but it would have ruined the effect of the growl at that point. But in the end, I gave her a sideways glance and a wolfish grin.

She chuckled again, ?remind me to tell you the story about the mountain valley deer.?

I slunk out from beneath her hand and moved toward the caller. The ring was nearly empty, and soon it would be time.

The Marquess and Marchioness walked slowly along the sand, slowly approaching the small crowd after their interlude away from the crowds when she glanced toward the ring and went pale. She dropped the Marquess? arm and began sprinting across the sand toward where Brigath and I were squared off again. The Marquess saw what was happening and joined his wife in a race across the sand to the rings.

I heard the Marchioness? voice, ?stop it! Lucien!!!? She skidded to a halt surveying the scene up close, ?Oh hell. Klinton? Do you have that dagger???

Klinton stopped beside his wife, studying the scene before him as well. There was blood and fur laying in the sand as two wolves remained sizing one another up, poised for yet another attack and defense. ?LUCIEN!? He glanced at Azjah, ?NO! Just the trunks tonight.? The marchioness reached for her shoulder holster, but she did not have it with the swimming suit and wrap.

Kayla was dragging herself away from the two aggressive males, and Topaz moved toward her, ?would you like me to have a look at that leg?? There was a great deal of blood, and my teeth had lacerated her leg thoroughly, but I had not broken the bones. I heard Topaz call my name, but I could not take my gaze off Brigath.

Topaz did not wait for Kayla?s permission before she set to work with her fey magic placing some shields in place to stop the bleeding, ?this would be easier if you were to hold still for a moment,? she told Kayla.

I limped back several steps, and Brigath crouched low, growling. The hair on my back was standing up as I prepared to answer the challenge in Brigath?s growl. Just as I began to circle the black wolf, Klinton stepped between us. It was a very dangerous place to be, but he stood his gound. ?Lucien! Do NOT attack.?

Abruptly Brigath shimmered back into human form, clutching the Key of Air. ?Enough.? Kayla had left Topaz?s ministrations and was standing behind me, prepared to leap.

I shifted into humanoid form, a red glow in the depths of my eyes I was certain as I locked gazes with Brigath. My blood began seeping through the white shirt and black trousers.

?I don?t know what problem you have with me, but you?d better get over it fast,? came Brigath?s words through panting breaths trying to regain his composure.

Topaz moved to turn her attention on Brigath and I, but then she agreed with Brigath, and I would not permit her to come to my side to see the damage.

I was not breathing hard since such is not required, and my words were a low snarl, ?You are no better than Vampyr.? I could feel the rage still flickering in my eyes.

Klinton spoke up a bit to Brigath, but his eyes remained on me, ?Are you okay Brig? Is anyone hurt??

The Marchioness moved toward me. She stood at my side for the moment as Klinton whispered to her. I straightened to my full height still glaring at Brigath.

Topaz?s voice was soothing, ?That is wrong Lucien.? She did not see her friend as the monster he is, and I gave her a quick look. I would not allow her to practice her magic upon me. She was trying, but her stand was with that unnatural monster Brigath.

Brigath glared hard at me, ?Is that supposed to mean something to me??

?It should? was all I said to him. He knew my point well enough. He did not require further explication.

Brigath glowered, ?well, why don?t you enlighten me? Why does your dislike of vampires cause you to want to attack me??

Topaz spoke softly, ?I am glad Brigath found a way to survive the lich vampires. And I am quite sure Brigath would have used this opportunity to rid RhyDin of something just as bad in the process.

He shook his head, ?No Lucien, there isn?t. You would have killed Berrin for a few words that he said. How is that cause better than killing a man to stay alive???

I gave Berrin a fanged snarl as Kyndra shuddered, knowing precisely why I am after Berrin.

Sneering at Brigath, ?But not to inhabit his body. Killing is one thing. This is totally different.? The man had killed to keep his own life despite the fact that his victim had not attacked him. There was no self defense. It was theft of a body and the murder of a man to prolong his own that was forfeit fighting the lyches. ?So you find it acceptable to survive at all costs? Never mind the price others pay for your ?needs???

The Marchioness pushed lightly against my chest, she?d returned from her effort to lead me to the portal, ?go home Lucien.?

?Well, I think we?re just gonna have to agree to disagree there, Lucien, old bag,? Brigath shook his head, ?listen to your mistress, get out of here.?

I glared at Brigath, ?You are vile Vampyr.?

Topaz moved beside me, ?I?ll walk with you part way Lucien.? So I offered my arm to her and she laced her arm with mine.

Brigath snorted, ?and you are an ignorant asshole. But I still love you.? Then puckered his lips and blew me a kiss, but his eyes were as hard as my own. This was not finished between us.

Vanion had been silent up to this point. He?d silently hoped I would kill Brigath, but had not joined in when Kayla made it two against one, and then his opinion of me had changed when he learned that I am a Hunter, sworn to hunt and lay to permanent rest all Vampyrs. ?No you puke, I am a ?Vile Vampyyyyr? He was trying to mimic my native accent

I paused briefly, ?A Hunter will end your time.?

Vanion smirked, ?So many have said. Do you know what I like to do when racist bigots threaten me?? He then walked close enough to whisper. Our paths will cross again. Of that, there can be no doubt.

Kyndra quickly jointed Brigath, ?I?m glad you?re back, no matter how you got here.? He moved off with the woman ad Topaz and I moved away from the rings. The white wolf limped along beside Brigath. He leaned over and gave her a long kiss, ?I need to get out of here. A fine night just turned sour.?

She nodded, ?I see that, well, have a good night.?

He stopped and turned to her, inviting her to give a whisper, he would come for her and take her to the Tower of Air. That brought a long studying look from the Marquess.

I heard the Marchioness turn to Klinton and say that things had gotten out of hand. I have not finished this, but I have made myself a resolution. Brigath will not see anything but charm from me when the Marchioness is around, but, she is not always around.

I walked along with Topaz, as she tried to put an acceptable cover on Brigath?s actions, ?Perhaps I should first tell you about Tyr, or even better, the demon in the mana.?

We continued walking, ?that would have been unfortunate for me.? And then I tried to change the topic, ?There have been no more sightings??

She shook her head, ?No, none. I was back and looked thoroughly. I kept my promise too. Walter and Fred were along.? I lifted a brow at her. ?Body guards.?

?Did you drop your culling to use your senses?? I did not want to think she had gone to the island with her senses dulled to the point that she would not sense one until she was right upon it.

I picked up the echo of her thoughts, about not telling me that neither of her body guards had a bit of magic about them, and covered it with a quick ?aye, sir.?

I resumed our walk, heading for the cliffs, ?did you know Topaz, Carpathian life mates have no secrets because they share a psychic connection at all times.? I turned to watch her expression.

?No, I didn?t. What kind of psychics?? She took the change of subject well.

?Many would call it telepathic, but it is more. Once blood is exchanged and the vows said, neither can hide any thoughs? I did not add that there was never a desire to hide thoughts, and this connection between lifemates resulted in their bonds growing with time rather than weakening as many other species.

She was caught up in this topic now, ?what about emotions??

?Emotion and color returns.? I was enjoying her curiosity. This was the first time I could remember anyone other than the Marchioness taking an interest in my people. Well, an interest that did not seek the extermination of our kind.

She gave me a smile that needed flowers, ?You said that before. I meant the knowledge of them in another.?

I deliberately misunderstood her, and shrugged, ?I have heard of such happening. Gregori was seeing a single person in color, everything else was in black and white. The woman was his lifemate, that he was seeing through another.? He?d met Alexandra?s image when he was merged with Jacques. Jacques saw her in person, and that image was the only thing about what he saw that Gregori registered as being in color.

She was surprised, ?can you do that? Seeing through another??

I gave her a quick smile, ?if we have a connection. Usually it?s a blood exchange, but family can do so as well.? We can do many things together, seeing through another is just one thing, but it was not time to tell her that I could kill another through their eyes.

She puzzled on that a moment, ?what happens when one of such a couple dies??

I took a deep breath, even though I physically do not require it, ?The other does not survive the loss. Most often, the surviving mate walks into the sun.? Such a death is gruesome, but better than the sense of loss the survivor would suffer. ?A lifemate is the connection of two souls. There can be no mistakes.? If the pair are not truly lifemates, the vows will not bind them, and the other does not suffer the loss of one.

?I guess that beats some of the alternatives. I?ve been married before. Twice that it counted for anything.? She moved then, ?The first was a mistake. I was happy with Krollon. He too could shift his soul from one body to another, though he did not have to kill to do so. I consider him having been a soul mate, but no connection as you speak of was ever possible.? She was not dressing up anything now, these were honest words and facts.

Something possessive lifted it?s head at her admission of being happy with Krollon. ?There have been a few Carpathians that became desperate, they tried to bind to someone not their soul mate, and it failed. It resulted in the death of one of our women.? I staggered a bit and reached for my ribs. Blood had been steadily seeping from the wounds Brigath had left me with earlier. I told her it was imperative that I go to ground, and she smiled, informing me that she wanted me in dancing shape for King Starfare?s wedding. I gave her a fanged grin, ?when next I rise, you will not be able to keep pace with me.?

She smiled back, is that a challenge??

I nodded, ?If you would like, yes. I shall make it my solemn duty to make certain you dance until there is not a step left in you at this wedding.?

She laughed merrily, ?then you may have to carry me home.?

I lifted her hand to my lips, ?That would be my pleasure.? With that, I faded from the visible spectrum as a shower of Edelweiss flowers rained down where she stood.

Topaz had been ready and waiting in the entry hall. She turned to face the door the moment she heard it open. She had not heard Lucien?s footfalls on the stone floor and was a little surprised to see him already so close. He looked stunning in court dress. All her worries of a moment before were gone as if whisked away by magic. She gave him a warm and welcoming smile. Before she could speak he already had bowed low over her hand.

?Good evening.? She felt his lips ever so slightly brush over her knuckles before he rose. The touch was surprisingly cool.

?And to you as well.? Topaz lifted her eyes to his.

?This is indeed a lovely surprise.? Lucien lightly touched one of the Edelweiss blooms on her dress.

Her smile widened at his compliment and greeting. ?You did ask that the dress match the blooms.? Then she added with the hope that he could remember the color, ?It is jade green.?

Lucien gave her a slightly fanged smile. ?Since when Lady do you listen to me? It is quite stunning however.?

?I always listen. And I did very much want to please.? Listening, of course, did not mean obeying. ?You too do look ever so handsome.?

?I believe in the olde ways. No teal tuxedoes for this Carpathian.? Lucien took the compliments with a smile. ?I did receive your letters. Thank you.?

?You are very welcome. The isle with so many ears about really was not the place to divulge too many secrets.? Was she apologizing for having been cautious for once rather than just blurting out secrets?

?I can understand that. There are many things I would like to ask you. But I am uncertain how you would take such questioning.?

Perhaps she had been reading too much into his previous questions. Still, she gave him a little flirtatious wink while she replied. ?I shall try very hard to take them at face value and not to read too much into the asking of them. Unless, of course, you would like me to.?

He did not flirt back, but only nodded. ?We should make our way back to Rhydin, but if you would tell me why the Fey left the Forest, it would be a start.?

Of course he had to start with a difficult one, she thought to herself. ?That is one of the questions I have started to ask myself too late to have found any answers. I still can only guess it was for the same reason I eventually left - curiosity.? She answered his question before replying to the reminder that they had somewhere to go. ?If you like, we can use a portal. We'd be stepping out from it in a not very busy alley-way near the Inn.?

?Easier than teaching you how to hold the image of mist in your mind and flowing with the wind.? He agreed to her suggestion.

Topaz greeted the idea with a soft chuckle, her curiosity aroused. ?Oh, but that does sound like something I would want to learn. Is it as much like flying as it sounds??

?It is similar, but you have no eyes per se, and yet you see from a thousand points. It is as if you become the fog itself.? The fairy invited him with a fluent gesture to step through the one set of open doors into the hall of portals.

Five portals lined the walls of the portal hall, each unique in appearance. ?Hmm, scrying and flying at the same time, sort of. Topaz mused aloud. "The water portal will take us into town." He really had read every word, and committed them to memory to come up with a comparison she could understand. The thought lifted her spirit.

?Then Lady, may I escort you to this Royal affair?? She placed her hand on his offered arm in the formal way befitting the occasion. ?I trust you are prepared to dance?? He asked with a glance at her slippered feet. She usually did not bother with footwear. But this was a special occasion, and the silver slippers with sage embroidery were soft and light.

?It is my pleasure and yes, I am.? She handed him a small jade and black enameled pin ? one without any security clearances attached to it. ?Before I forget in the bustle later - in case you do manage to dance the last step out of me - this will allow you to take me home via the portal, too. Just press up here,? she showed him the exact spot on the pin, ?to activate the portal.?

He took the pin with a low laugh and secreted it away inside the tuxedo. ?That assumes I would return you here should I completely dance the last step out of you.?

Perhaps flirting was contagious. She could only hope. ?As I said, just in case.? She smiled to him again. ?You may of course still go with any better idea that you may come up with.?

They stepped into the portal together and out onto the alley way less than a block from the inn. ?Did you cull your senses so that you could not identify the trouble from your first marriage?? Lucian offered his next question as they began walking down the alley.

?Yes. But I may not have known to notice it anyway. It takes more than weeks to know what it means what one sees and senses in so unfamiliar surroundings and beings. I knew next to nothing back then besides how to go on in the forest.?

?I see.? Topaz had wanted to give him more of an answer, but Lucien had paused beside a bright red Testarossa. ?We have been granted permission, have you ridden before??

Azjah?s permission, Topaz guessed. ?I have ridden horses and pegasi before. But no, not anything like this. This is beautiful.? It was another of her understatements. She had seen one of that type of carriages before. At the time she had not even heard the purr of its passing until after it had been out of sight again.

Before she knew quite how it had happened Lucien had let her to the passenger door, opened it, handed her into the vehicle, and settled himself into the driver?s seat. ?The great hall, correct?"

?Yes, sir.? The ride was all too short.

Lucien pulled the sleek red car into a parking place. A moment later he opened her door and offered his arm once more, which Topaz was only too happy to take.

?This was fun.? Her excitement and wonder were evident in her eyes and in the way she smiled at him. May we do that again sometime??

?Of course. A summer's night in the desert is a wonderful drive.?

Des wore her bejeweled chestnut curls piled impossibly high; two spiral curls were draped over her left shoulder. The off-the-shoulder dress lovingly hugged her torso, leaving the swells of generous breasts bared by the hand-embroidered ivory material that flared over shapely hips, a full eight-foot train trailed behind her.

?She is so beautiful.? Topaz was not aware she had said that loud enough for Lucien to hear as they rose to watch Brian walk the bride up the isle.

?Not as lovely as the woman gracing my arm.? Topaz blushed faintly at Lucien?s unexpected compliment.

Lucien remained unmoving while Des walked. Topaz wondered what was on his mind. Could it be possible that he had spoken of himself when he had told her about a mistake that was made in a marriage ceremony of his kind and that it had resulted in the death of the woman? Or perhaps his brother? Either would explain a lot.

?You do not scare me.? She meant more by that whisper than just picking up the conversation. And to judge by his reaction to her misleadingly simple sounding statement, she surmised he knew that, too. ?Have you started to believe in fairies??

Lucien slowly glanced down into her eyes. ?A while ago I began to believe.? Something in the way he admitted that much made Topaz unreasonably happy, and he continued in a very straight laced tone, "but, there are those who would consider such belief a sign of lunacy. However, I have never been one to give much credence to what other people have to say. And have you begun to believe in blood suckers that are not vampyre??

?Years ago.? She replied with a soft chuckle before once again looking toward the dais. ?I too prefer to build my own opinion about each individual, rather than what is generally of a race or occupation or whatever else.?

Topaz had to pay more than a little attention to Gavilean?s words. It had been quite some time since she last had heard the elven language.

?Amin mela lle, Des.? The groom started his vows. Topaz did not really listen to the words he spoke in common.

?Amin, Gavilean Starfare. Sana lle, Tera Destre, n? melvess?, Nauva illum? lleas ar tuluk lle; asari en qu?m? ar asari en envinyanta, asari en ny?r? ar asari en alass?. Amin vanda mela lle aqua, tiuta ar tiutal? lle asai nauca, arfanyarass? lle ar varyalle malallor, lann? lle enmela ar anta an maur?lle, illum? sanda ar voronda n? lle. M?la eress? lle an ve voronwa sina y?yo cuil?. N?si?. Amin mela ille Tera Destre, teni'oio ar Illume ar Atta Aure.?

Topaz gave a wistful sigh. There was no avoiding the memories of years past. But she did keep pushing them away, intent to enjoy Lucien's presence and the festivities. Thoughts of what might be made that rather easy. She felt Lucien?s eyes on her, but kept hers trained on the bride and groom while Gavilean spoke. Perhaps the fae magic knew when ?forever? was to be only a short time.

?As you wish.? Lucien said when she did lift her eyes to his.

Had he heard her thoughts just now, she asked herself, or did he mean the words to mean something else entirely? ?As you wish.? She whispered back and moment later reminded herself that she had promised to try and take things at face value. That was a hard thing to do, she found, when your first real date was attending a wedding.

It was Des? turn to speak her vows. ?Ely? nauva A'maelamin. Esteln ely? as ilqua tana iny?. Ely? haryanya enda ar antanya ely? f?anya mando nin. Ely? nauva tharnya ar ennas nar nanwa. Ely? nauva yess?nya ar ilquanya. Ennas nar munta mi sina mardo tana ?va quetasnya ely?. Vandanya ve illum? vornada ar irima vess? tenna aur? eff?riemmo. I ti?me lelya lilolva n? ely? nira illum? tul minya mi cuil?. Iny? nucumna ve i melm? ar estel haryaely? antanya sina aur?. Iny? nira illum? carely? valin haryanya arely? immo ve iny? carelnya haryaely? vantanya arnya. Amin mela ille Gavilean Starfare Teni'oio ar Illume ar Atta Aure.?

Lucien leaned close to Topaz for a moment. "The past is part of you, but I find myself wishing I could undo the pain I sense there."

?You are.? She replied quietly. That was not quite what she meant, but close enough. She added softly, ?you are wishing.?

Lucien looked at the dais. ?Figure of speech. I would undo the past if I could.? His expression very serious and earnest.

Topaz did not suppress the soft giggle that bubbled out of her. He was too wishing. She was fairy. And she knew he would undo the past if he could. But he couldn?t. She was glad for that. ?The past is part of who we are today.?

On the dais, Gavilean and Des were exchanging rings.

Topaz had left her rings at home for this evening. She wasn?t going to be the Guardian?s commander this evening, not the Baroness of Dragon Gate, not the coordinator of the magic duels. And since Daniel?s visit she felt she was no longer the Queen of Tharsien. This evening she was Lucien?s date, nothing else.

Lucien whispered softly into her thoughts. ?Yes, however, I mislike the idea of another touching you. Having your hand upon his arm. I find those images displeasing. We do not share well.?


Now, how am I to take that at face value, dear Lucien? But she replied, ?Neither do I.?

?I?ll explain later.? Lucien offered.

Topaz agreed. This was not the time, but she was very much looking forward to that explanation.

On the dais Gavilean was smiling from ear to ear. ?Do I get to kiss the bride now??

Topaz turned to Lucien with a smile and very quietly asked, ?Will those pretty fangs get in the way??

?Only if you wish them to.? His smile one of pure temptation.

?Of course not.?

?The family Daratrazanov has been at the right hand of the Prince's family for millennia. It is strength of character and will that keep Gregori, Gabriel, Dayan, Erich and a few others going on. Though, I feel in Gregori a darkness growing.?

?So strong, yet so fragile.? She mused out loud before randomly adding a piece of information. She?d ask about Gregori some other time. ?The empathic link of the fae can be broken when they run out of magic.?

?How do the fae run out of magic? I had thought the fae WERE magic.? Lucien rolled the red vehicle to a stop where the gravel ended.

?Yes, fairies are magic, but at any time there is only a finite amount that has to be replenished when it gets used. When every last bit is used, they die.? But Topaz had something else she needed for Lucien to know of. ?Dalton was insanely jealous, and as time passed got more violent in his unfounded rages. It made being pregnant difficult. Tormay was born when I had run away the first time. Had that stupid mid-wife not contacted him, he'd not have had the chance to threaten me with a sword, nor steal the baby to try blackmailing me into returning. I had to break those promises.?

?He could not have been your true life mate then, if the Fae have such a thing?

?I guess it is possible. There was no empathic link there, and there was none with Krollon. But his death, along with the unborn baby's did put me out of my mind. I was sick in body and spirit for a long time. But I didn't die from it. I was told not to have any more babies.?

?I have never heard of a mother not going nearly out of her mind with the death of a spouse and a child.? Lucien turned off the engine and gave her a smile before opening the car door. He walked around to the passenger side and opened the door, offering his arm.

As soon as her hand was once again resting on his arm, he slid the media into the Ferrari?s stereo. He smiled into her sparkling eyes. ?Then perhaps you will come dance with me??

?Yes, please.? The air was crystal clear, and the stars shone against a black velvet sky overhead.

Lucien covered her hand with his as he escorted his lovely fairy toward a glittering lake nestled high in the mountains, evergreens scented the air. As they approached the strains of a waltz could be heard from the car. ?It is the perfect night for waltzing.?
?That it is.? Topaz gave him a wide and joyful smile. The glittering of blue and white stars was reflected in her eyes as they paused at the edge of the lake.

?We need an appropriate dance floor? ?Ancient Romanian words lifted across the water and the rippling ceased, replaced by a shining solid mirror. ?Come dance with me.? He asked again and took her hand, his other hand settled to her waist. Topaz settled easily into his arms, and he led her out onto the shimmering surface in a formal waltz, the music rising and falling with ethereal beauty in the hollow on the mountain. Lucien leaned closer and whispered, "How long do you think you can keep up with me?" A hint of a smile curved his lips.

?Until morning.? Topaz replied just as softly, happiness shining from her light blue eyes.

?We shall test that assertion then.? Lucien said with a black velvet laugh. They flowed around the solidified surface of the lake in harmony with the music that crescendoed and fell amidst the stone of the mountains. They had a cathedral to themselves beneath a star strewn sky.

The fairy followed the barest hint of his lead, almost as if she knew his intentions before he acted upon them. Her feet flowed through the steps without even a hit of danger to his feet. Every now and then Lucien felt the bottoms of her wings lightly grace against his arm.

?My toes thank you for being so graceful.? Her iridescent wings glimmered in the starlight, and reflected off the surface of the lake at their feet as they danced alone in the setting of such natural splendor as to be nearly indescribable. ?Did you know that your wings shimmer in the surface of the water??

?No.? She immediately turned her head to try and see that ?to his amazement, without missing a step. The constantly shifting shades of white and grey reflected back at her. Lucien leaned in to smell the Edelweiss circlet in her hair. The preserved blooms had no fragrance, but he found Topaz to have one; vanilla mostly and some other sweet spices.

Topaz turned her light blue eyes back to his dark ones with a soft giggle. ?So it does!?

?The vanilla suits you.? Lucien led her off as the next waltz began.

?Thank you.? For some time Topaz just enjoyed dancing and being in Lucien?s arm, swirling and twirling over the icy floor. It had been a long time since she had gotten to dance with someone; not since the party at the Citadel. ?You are a superb dancer.?

?I have never danced with a fairy before; you are a joy to share the experience with.? He brushed his hand at her waist lightly against the wings. They felt silky smooth and warm, and was that a little quiver in response to his touch?